Category Archives: Parade

When I think of family friendly events I can honestly say that the New Smyrna Beach Mardi Gras Parade didn’t exactly strike me as an event that Frugal Florida Fun would feature. Located right, smack-dab in the middle of the work week, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about being dragged out of the house 5 minutes after I got home from work, but I’m very glad that I gave into the Mrs!

While we were heading over to the beachside, I started thinking about the last time I actually went to an event where a parade was the star of the show. Last Christmas? Bike Week maybe? And to really top it off, other than at the Mouse, I don’t think I have ever seen a night parade that didn’t involve Christmas lights and boats. One thing was for sure, the New Smyrna Beach Mardi Gras parade would prove to be a memorable experience.

With almost anything that goes on at Flagler Avenue, parking is always a disaster. I don’t know why we didn’t follow our standard strategy of parking on the mainland and walking over, but instead we paid $5 for parking at a local church. The money went to charity and it was reasonable, so it wasn’t a big deal. We arrived at 6:15 or so, and the street began to fill up quickly. If you have never been to an event on Flagler Ave. before, it can be quite cramped and confined on this narrow beachside street. To my surprise, there was a bug section of the road that was barricaded off, which opened the are up quite nicely for pedestrians and strollers.

Let’s celebrate the all mighty catfish at the annual Crescent City Catfish Festival! This event features so much to do and see! It all kicks off with a parade like no other. Featuring a mix of just about everything from local business, to politicians, and quite a few shrines, you can relax and watch the parade pass by you. When its over head on over from some of the Very best catfish you have ever sunk you teeth into! If you’re curious, be sure to pick up some swamp cabbage while you’re there too! While the Crescent City Catfish Festival is free, you will want to bring along some cash for the catfish meals and some drinks. The dinners were a whopping $10 each, but boy were they worth it! Looking back, my wife and I could have probably split a single dinner, as we were so stuffed with food! You are also more than welcome to bring your own food and drinks if you want to chill out picnic style and enjoy the scenery. There are tables setup for everyone to enjoy, and it’s a great way to meet your fellow Catfish Festers! If you don’t want to dine with strangers, be sure to bring your own fold up chair. Leashed pets seemed to be welcome, but there are so many people at this event you may want to leave Fido at home for this one. As you get into the main intersections of the town there are a few places that offer parking for $10 and $5. If you want free parking, it’s available at town lots, and side streets, but be prepared to walk a bit. Along the North side of town, be sure to checkout the annual car show as well!

Per the Rotary Club’s Press Release:

ROTARY CLUB OF CRESCENT CITY CELEBRATES 35TH ANNUAL CRESCENT CITY CATFISH FESTIVAL AND CAR SHOW ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH 2013.

Crescent City, Florida, The first Saturday in April holds special meaning to the citizens of Crescent City and the surrounding areas, for the last 35 years the Rotary Club of Crescent City has hosted their annual Crescent CityCatfish Festival. This festival is dedicated to raising money for Scholarships for the local high school students. Over the years the club has donated over $600,000 dollars to high school students and various other civic programs.

Featuring Fried Catfish dinners, Gator Tail, Swamp Cabbage, Strawberry Short Cake, Arts and Crafts vendors, a Car Show, Free Entertainment, Live Music, Parade, Children’s games, and lots of other great activities this day is expected to be a fun time for all!

While I can admit to having my fair share of fun during Daytona Beach Bike Week events growing up, I wouldn’t necessarily consider it to be a family friendly event. With that being said, I would recommend the annual Daytona Beach Bike Week Parade. This event fizzled out a few years ago, but made a reappearance in 2012.

I remember going to this parade as a kid and loved the noise, action and the motorcycles! The parade route starts at the Ocean Center and proceeds down A1A. It ends at Daytona International Speedway. This parade is almost 6 miles long! You can setup just about anywhere along the parade route, just find a nice place to park and watch Bike Week ride by you!